Best Family Gifts and Products
Family-friendly product reviews for the things we have bought and loved for our kids (and ourselves). Weigh in with your picks!
What were you glad you packed in your hospital bag?
Disposable toothbrush: a toothbrush I'm willing to use for a couple nights then throw away at the hospital before I return home.
A lightweight robe. Cozy and comfortable, presentable enough for wearing around the hospital, and easy nursing access.
What baby items did you get and almost never use?
I bought peepee teepees and used one once. Receiving blankets. Used maybe once or twice. Baby nail file! As much as I have to admit it...just get clippers and suck up the fear of cutting their nails. The files don’t work very well.
Blankets, quilts. Used swaddling blankets only.
Best durable backpacks for school that will last more than one year?
I bought my son a Nike backpack two years ago and it is still going strong. It has a front pocket which is great for little items and side pockets for a water bottle. He loves it!
Our Pottery Barn bags were great, and seem to be a popular choice at our elementary school. We never had a chance to wear them out, but they definitely were in good shape after 2-3 years (when grandma wanted to get new ones!). Fun designs and personalization available, too. I wouldn't recommend getting the smallest size (as we did in Kindergarten), as kids outgrow them quickly and they really will last a long time.
How to save money on back to school shopping?
We do BTS shopping at Target. I buy the Gift Cards when they are on sale for 20% off and save my 5% birthday coupon for it!
For basic school supply items that you end up needing to repurchase every year, buy in bulk and keep the extra on hand to draw from in the future. Costco often has great deals on post-its, pens, notebooks, etc during back to school time.
